I’ve always been interested in public policy which eventually led me to Washington D.C. I worked on energy issues for about 5 years and it became increasingly clear that environmentalism was perhaps the most critical filter to guide long term energy decisions. As a result, I joined NRDC and now work on fuel and vehicle issues. I have a legal background although I enjoy policy work immensely.

Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would not finalize the 2014 biofuel volumes required under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Biofuel interests were quick to point out the uncertainty perpetuated by EPA’s delay- and for good...continued→

Large fuel consumers are increasingly considering biofuels as a replacement for conventional petroleum, as a way to reduce their environmental impact and as a long-term solution to oil dependence. These are valid pursuits, yet they can be undermined by purchasing...continued→

Several days ago the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) voted to cripple a common sense provision that requires environmental accountability of government contractors. It also voted to prevent the Defense Department (DOD) from developing sustainable military fuel supplies. Sound familiar?...continued→

We’ve frequently written about the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). We’ve noted its tensions and the need to improve how it operates. This includes fostering biofuels that help the environment and minimizing the ones that harm it. It includes establishing a...continued→

Just yesterday, the Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Navy announced the joint “Farm to Fleet” program that will provide commercially competitive biofuels to the Defense Department (DoD). This initiative is in addition to DoD’s previous effort to commercialize drop-in...continued→

The RFS has driven substantial investment in advanced and cellulosic biofuels that would not have happened without national policy. These technologies are important because they provide new economic activity and low carbon alternatives to petroleum. Yet there are also important...continued→

The transportation sector uses 71% of the nation’s petroleum. Petroleum is also our largest source of carbon pollution. In that context, developing biofuels for transportation makes good sense. They can potentially provide low carbon sources of liquid fuel for ground...continued→

Occasionally, I’ve written about Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Like other contentious issues, the Section 526 debate is rife with misinformation. This perennial topic will come up again, so it’s worth pausing to explain...continued→

Runaway oil dependence puts our environment, public health and national security at risk. That’s why the Senate Finance Committee’s recent extension of the cellulosic ethanol income tax credit is welcome news. This incentive, which provides $1.01 per gallon of cellulosic...continued→

After years of litigation, the Natural Resources Defense Council has finally brought the “Ohio River Clean Fuels” liquid coal proposal to its close. Until last week, Baard Energy planned to build a 53,000 barrel per day liquid coal facility in...continued→

It’s been six years since President George W. Bush famously stated that $55 per barrel oil made drilling subsidies unnecessary. Since then, the 2008 price spike came and went, with oil prices soaring to $140 per barrel. Still, the subsidies...continued→

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a short term “Continuing Resolution” to fund federal government through mid November. Fortunately, it abandoned the familiar cast of policy riders designed to damage public health and degrade the environment. But it...continued→

These days, Section 526 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 receives a great deal of attention. This provision, which prevents federal government from purchasing high carbon alternative fuels such as liquid coal, has been subject to numerous...continued→

Over the last several years, oil prices, geopolitical events and environmental concerns have driven the Defense Department’s strong interest in domestic alternative fuels. And with good reason. Our petroleum addiction appears more burdensome every day, exposing the nation to price...continued→

Once again we find ourselves amidst $4 per gallon gasoline with the Drill Baby Drill chorus promising that opening all of our coasts to drilling will provide price relief. Instead of taking the time to increase safety standards and environmental...continued→

About

Switchboard is the staff blog of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the nation’s most effective environmental group. For more about our work, including in-depth policy documents, action alerts and ways you can contribute, visit NRDC.org.